Why Counting Calories Doesn’t Work

I am not a doctor, none of the information on any of these pages pertaining to the Ketogenic Diet/Way of Eating should be considered medical advice and should not replace the care of your personal physician I am simply eager to share the information I have learned while on my own journey to health. Before you embark on this journey, please consult with your physician

The problem is that the idea of calorie counting for weight loss was based on faulty science and failed to take into account the intricate way our bodies were made.

It also assumes that a prepackaged, fat-free banana muffin that is only 100 calories is metabolized the same way a 100 calorie actual banana is metabolized.

But that is not the case.

The calories are not important, the ingredients are. You can eat a 350 calorie, carbohydrate-laden, muffin – even a homemade muffin made with real ingredients, and your body will metabolize it differently than it will a 400-calorie veg-filled 3-egg omelette made in butter.

The one will spike your glucose levels, release insulin.The extra carbohydrates your body was unable to turn into energy become fat stores, and all of your calorie-counting efforts have gone to waste (or waist).

What’s more, in an hour or so, you will have even more carb cravings and hunger signals, and this becomes a vicious cycle.

On the other hand, after eating your omelette, you will be full and remain full until lunch. Your hormones that indicate satiety will tell your body it doesn’t want anymore food, and in an hour you will find you still don’t want to eat anything at all.

The fat and protein laden dish will not cause your glucose levels to spike, your insulin levels will remain low, and if you continue to maintain a diet low in carbohydrates and high in fat, your body will begin to metabolize your fat stores and you will begin to notice steady and sustained weight loss.

Instead of obsessing over calories for weight loss, we should be looking at our macro nutrient levels. Carbohydrates, Protein and Fat.

But, don’t fall for those who tell you that its one-sized fits all.

Some are able to tolerate more carbohydrates than others. And how much protein and fat you consume is very individual.

I, for one, am very glad to put the calorie-counting to rest.

Ever since I’ve chosen to eat real food and pay attention to my macro nutrients, I have noticed a radical change in my health and weight. My head is clearer, my chronic issues are disappearing, and my energy levels are up and sustained throughout the day.

Rosilind, a Pacific Northwest native, is a missionary living in Croatia and married to her hero. Together they live in the country with their 2 active boys where she enjoys fruity candles and a hot cup of herbal tea on a blustery fall evening. She holds an Associates of Practical Theology and is passionate about discipling and encouraging women. Her passion for writing led her to author a number of books. She is the author of A Little R & R where she encourages women to find contentment in what God created them to be. She can also be found at these other places on a regular basis. You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google +.